Armenia attracts travelers with its blend of safety, rich culture, and culinary delights, as highlighted in a recent feature by Euronews Travel. The article reminds us that Armenia is one of the world’s safest destinations and is a perfect place for worry-less travel offering peace of mind alongside new experiences.
The blog offers to examine Armenia’s cuisine, UNESCO Heritage Sites, and underrated ski slopes. In addition, the authors point to vibrant festivals from the famous Yerevan Wine Days to the hot air balloon festival or Jazz Day.
There are some classical tours and sites that Armenia is famous for. For example, nearly all travel guides will recommend you visit Garni Temple or Lake Sevan. We do agree that these destinations are a must but there are some new things to do in Armenia in 2024. Let’s examine what to do and where to go.
Start With Classics
When traveling to Armenia, classical spots that are always on the must-visit list include Garni, Geghard, Noravank, Sevan, Khor Virap, and other monasteries. We will not ignore these routes when talking about things to do in Armenia in 2024.
First, Garni is the only Hellenistic temple in Armenia, offering a glimpse into the country’s ancient pagan past. In addition, every trip also includes one of the treasures of the nearby gorge – a Symphony of Stones. This geological formation consists of towering basalt columns that resemble giant organ pipes or steps.
Nearby is the Geghard Monastery, partially carved into the surrounding cliffs. This UNESCO-listed site has breathtaking architecture and is definitely a must-see destination.
The classical routes also include Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world and Khor Virap, a pilgrimage site that played a significant role in Armenia’s Christian history. Moreover, it is located near the border where you have the closest possible view of Mount Ararat if the weather is good.
However, one can always find something new. When visiting Sevan, do not focus just on the most popular sites. Once you have explored Sevanavank monastery and admired the scenic views, travel towards the town of Gavar. On your way, you can find Noratus Cemetery, the largest cemetery of khachkars in the world. There are around 1,000 cross stones here with the oldest dating back to the late 10th century.
Uncover Yerevan
The traditional things-to-do-in-Yerevan lists include exploring the Cascade. It’s a starting point for every tourist to admire the beauty of the city and Mount Ararat. The sculptures, fountains, and panoramic views – it has all the tourists can dream of. We do agree it is a place to start diving into the heart of Yerevan to explore North Avenue and Republic Square.
Here you find historic landmarks like the History Museum of Armenia, showcasing millennia-old artifacts. The next destination seems to be Vernissge, a bustling open-air market, to buy local crafts and souvenirs.
However, in 2024 you can look at Yerevan also as a haven for gastronomes. With dozens of restaurants and gastro bars offering anything you want from traditional Armenian cuisine to Asian restaurants or cafes with healthy food. The marvel of its gastro-wine culture is Saryan Street, a place where one can find dozens of wine bars.
We also recommend visiting unique museums such as the Parajanov Museum dedicated to the renowned filmmaker and artist, or the Megerian Carpet Museum. The latter has a large collection of traditional Armenian carpets.
Explore Armenian Wine
Once famous only for mountains and churches, now Armenia is gradually turning into a wine destination. Moreover, UNWTO picked Armenia as a host for its 2024 Global Conference on Wine Tourism.
The wine tours have it all from a glimpse into the country’s rich winemaking history to exploring small wineries and wine bars. With nearly 20 indigenous grape varieties, Armenia’s high-altitude vineyards and volcanic soil produce wines that have become popular among wine enthusiasts.
This led to the development of local wineries in the regions like Aragatsotn and Vayots Dzor. Here the tourists can encounter charming wineries offering degustation, dining options, and enchanting landscapes.
In downtown Yerevan, stroll along Saryan Street where you can sample wines at bars, restaurants, and wine stores. Don’t miss the famous Yerevan Wine Days, a signature event celebrating Armenia’s wine culture.
Find New Ecotourism Spots
It’s time to consider Armenia as a great ecotourism destination. Some of the main ecotourism spots are the Khosrov State Reserve, the Dilijan National Park, and Lori Province.
These regions offer many opportunities for hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking. In addition, here you can combine visiting historic landmarks with exploring hiking trails.
For birdwatching enthusiasts, there are over 300 bird species in Armenia. With the help of experienced guides, tourists can spot rare species like the Armenian Gull.
Besides, ecotourism in Armenia isn’t just about breathtaking scenery. It’s about engaging with local communities and discovering rural Armenia. The local bed and breakfasts, glamping sites, and guesthouses are the best options to have a perfect ecotourism experience. Do not forget about homemade cuisine, which comes as a big bonus.
What Agency to Choose?
With dozens of travel agencies working in the local market, try to pick one that has a variety of offers to choose from. When it comes to Armenia tourism, Levon Travel specialists are one of the best with the expertise of over 30 years.
For Levon Travel any tourist is unique, this is the reason we focus on tours tailored to specific interests and budgets. A personalized itinerary depends on whether a tourist is a history lover, a foodie, or a nature enthusiast. The services include all aspects starting from booking the tickets to finding the best hiking routes.
